Divided Sarajevo: space management, urban landscape and spatial practices across the boundary

This contribution focuses on Sarajevo as a case study of divided city. As a consequence of Dayton Peace Agreement signed in 1995 Bosnia-Herzegovina appears internally split into the two entities of Federation of Bosnia Herzegovina (FBiH) and Republika Srpska (RS); at local level the administrative line divides two areas that before the war constituted a unique urban system: Sarajevo, including the historical neighbourhoods of the city and part of FBiH, and Eastern Sarajevo, a suburban area now included in the territory of RS. Considering the city’s partition the paper discusses the extent to which the divisive power of the boundary is either reduced or renovated. From the inhabitants’ standpoint the crossing experience has become a common practice since the emotional burden related to the presence of the boundary has largely vanished among the population. Nevertheless ongoing processes of separation can be recognised in the rhetoric of space management as well as in the feature of the built environment. By looking at the way in which urban planning deals with the territorial separation the paper shows how the divisive logic is constantly fostered by the interpretations of local administrators and professionals, while interventions and initiatives suggesting an alternative approach result scarce and ineffective. As such, the implicit rhetoric of the normative frame fosters a vicious circle that reproduces functional, organizational and infrastructural division. The power of separation can be further acknowledged by looking at the symbolical connotation of urban landscape. Despite the division is not marked by any artefact, the intentional use of symbols and signs across the boundary selectively celebrates specific collective identities simultaneously neglecting the presence of the counterpart. Moreover, such changes within the built environment have to some extent influenced inhabitants’ daily life and collective representations.Dieser Beitrag ist eine Fallstudie über geteilte Städte mit Schwerpunkt auf Sarajevo. Als Folge des 1995 unterzeichneten Friedensvertrags von Dayton ist Bosnien-Herzegowina landesintern in die zwei Entitäten der Föderation Bosnien und Herzegowina (FBiH) und der Republika Srpska (RS/PC) aufgeteilt. Auf kommunaler Ebene bezeichnet eine Verwaltungsgrenze zwei unterschiedliche Bereiche, die vor dem Krieg ein einzelnes städtisches System darstellten: Sarajevo (einschließlich der historischen Stadtviertel) als Teil der FBiH sowie Ost-Sarajevo, ein Vorstadtgebiet, das nun zum Territorialgebiet von RS/PC gehört. Im Hinblick auf die Teilung der Stadt beschäftigt sich die Arbeit damit, in welchem Ausmaß sich die entzweiende Kraft der Grenze entweder verringert oder erneuert. Vom Blickwinkel der Bewohner aus gesehen ist die Erfahrung des Überschreitens der Grenze zu einer gängigen Praxis geworden, da die emotionale Last in Bezug auf deren Vorhandensein unter der Bevölkerung weitestgehend verschwunden ist. Dennoch lassen sich in der Rhetorik der Raumverwaltung fortwährend Separationsprozesse erkennen, gleiches gilt für die bebaute Umgebung. Indem sich die Arbeit mit der Art und Weise beschäftigt, wie die städtebauliche Planung mit der territorialen Trennung umgeht, zeigt sie, inwieweit der Separierungs-Logik durch die Auslegungen der kommunalen Verwaltungsbediensteten und Experten Vorschub geleistet wird, und dass gleichzeitig Einwände und Initiativen, die einen alternativen Ansatz zur Diskussion stellen, selten sind und sich als ineffektiv herausstellen. Entsprechend begünstigt die implizite Rhetorik des normgebenden Rahmens einen Teufelskreis, der eine funktionale, organisatorische und infrastrukturelle Teilung entstehen lässt. Die Kraft der Trennung lässt sich außerdem erkennen, wenn man einen Blick auf die symbolische Bedeutung der Stadtlandschaft wirft. Obwohl die Teilung nicht durch Artefakte gekennzeichnet ist, würdigt die absichtliche Verwendung von Symbolen und Zeichen über die Grenze hinweg punktuell spezifische gemeinsame Identitäten, während gleichzeitig die Gegenwart des Gegenübers vernachlässigt wird. Darüber hinaus haben die Veränderungen innerhalb der bebauten Umgebung in gewissem Maße den Alltag und die kollektive Darstellung der Bewohner beeinflusst

Trophic ecology and spatial behaviour of wolf (<i>Canis lupus</i>) in an Appennine area

Nowadays the Italian wolf (Canis lupus) is expanding its range and increasing in numbers, nevertheless it is still a vulnerable species. In this work, we have focused on the wolf feeding and spatial behavior, in a region of Northern Apennine. First, we investigated the relation between wolf and red fox (Vulpes vulpes), assessing the extent of their trophic niche overlap. Our findings suggest a very limited trophic competition between them. Moreover, we analyzed the functional response of wolf to changes in prey availability, and the impact of wolf predation and hunting harvest on ungulate populations. Wild boar (Sus scrofa) was the main and selected prey species for wolves. Moreover, the proportion of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in wolf diet peaked when boar densities were low, resulting in a functional response dependent on the main prey density fluctuations. Furthermore, even if wolves and hunters focused on targets with different reproductive potential in the population, their combined impact did not exceed the annual recruitment, and thus did not result to limit ungulates population growth. Finally, analyzing the variables involved in the choice of rendezvous sites locations, we found rendezvous sites typically inside protected areas, and usually distant from human settlements. Over recent years, rendezvous sites have occurred closer to urban areas, thus, our projections of suitability of sites can help planning to minimize possible wolf-human conflicts.</br

Modelling the European Union Sustainability Transition: A Soft-Linking Approach

none3noThe European Green Deal (EGD) is the most ambitious decarbonisation strategy currently envisaged, with a complex mix of different instruments aiming at improving the sustainability of the development patterns of the European Union in the next 30 years. The intrinsic complexity brings key open questions on the cost and effectiveness of the strategy. In this paper we propose a novel methodological approach to soft-linking two modelling tools, a systems thinking (ST) and a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model, in order to provide a broader ex-ante policy evaluation process. We use ST to highlight the main economic feedback loops the EGD strategy might trigger. We then quantify these loops with a scenario analysis developed in a dynamic CGE framework. Our main finding is that such a soft-linking approach allows discovery of multiple channels and spillover effects across policy instruments that might help improve the policy mix design. Specifically, positive spillovers arise from the adoption of a revenue recycling mechanism that ensures strong support for the development and diffusion of clean energy technologies. Such spillover effects benefit not only the European Union (EU) market but also non-EU countries via trade-based technology transfer, with a net positive effect in terms of global emissions reduction.openBassi, Andrea M.; Costantini, Valeria; Paglialunga, ElenaBassi, Andrea M.; Costantini, Valeria; Paglialunga, Elen

Trophic overlap between wolves and free-ranging wolf × dog hybrids in the Apennine Mountains, Italy

Hybridization between wolves (Canis lupus) and domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) can represent a threat to wild populations via genetic introgression and ecological competition. Therefore understanding the ecological role of hybrids may be crucial for developing appropriate conservation strategies. The Italian wolf population has a peculiar genetic composition due to a long-lasting geographic isolation. Nowadays, however, its genetic integrity is threatened by the spread of canine genes as a result of the hybridization with stray dogs in the wild. The aim of the present study was to gain insights into the ecological role of free-ranging wolf–dog hybrids by investigating their winter food habits in comparison with wolves in a mountain area of Central Italy. Levels of genetic introgression from the dogs were assessed in two adjacent areas occupied by up to five different packs by analyzing non-invasive samples and carcasses collected therein with a set of uniparental and bi-parental molecular markers. The obtained results enabled us to classify the two areas as 'hybrid' and 'wolf' areas based on their level of genetic introgression. Trophic niche and similarity/dissimilarity analyses did not detect significant difference in the diet between the two areas: in both of them, wild boar was the main prey, followed by roe deer. Furthermore, the same age/body mass classes of the two ungulates were selected by wolves and hybrids. Our findings confirmed wolf–dog hybrids as potential competitors for wolves. Further studies on other aspects of their biology and ecology are recommended in order to better estimate the impact of hybridization on natural wolf populations

Hyaluronic acid—dexamethasone nanoparticles for local adjunct therapy of lung inflammation

The delivery of a dexamethasone formulation directly into the lung appears as an appro-priate strategy to strengthen the systemic administration, reducing the dosage in the treatment of lung severe inflammations. For this purpose, a hyaluronic acid-dexamethasone formulation was developed, affording an inhalable reconstituted nanosuspension suitable to be aerosolized. The physico-chemical and biopharmaceutical properties of the formulation were tested: size, stability, loading of the spray-dried dry powder, reconstitution capability upon redispersion in aqueous me-dia. Detailed structural insights on nanoparticles after reconstitution were obtained by light and X-ray scattering techniques. (1) The size of the nanoparticles, around 200 nm, is in the proper range for a possible engulfment by macrophages. (2) Their structure is of the core-shell type, hosting dex-amethasone nanocrystals inside and carrying hyaluronic acid chains on the surface. This specific structure allows for nanosuspension stability and provides nanoparticles with muco-inert proper-ties. (3) The nanosuspension can be efficiently aerosolized, allowing for a high drug fraction poten-tially reaching the deep lung. Thus, this formulation represents a promising tool for the lung administration via nebulization directly in the pipe of ventilators, to be used as such or as adjunct therapy for severe lung inflammation.Fil: Cámara, Candelaria Inés. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Bertocchi, Laura. Departamento de Alimentos y Drogas ; Universita Degli Studi Di Parma;Fil: Ricci, Caterina. Universita Degli Studi Di Milano. Dipartimento Di Beitecnologe Mediche E Medicina Traslazionale.; ItaliaFil: Bassi, Rosaria. Universita Degli Studi Di Milano. Dipartimento Di Beitecnologe Mediche E Medicina Traslazionale.; ItaliaFil: Bianchera, Annalisa. Departamento de Alimentos y Drogas ; Universita Degli Studi Di Parma;Fil: Cantú, Laura F.. Universita Degli Studi Di Milano. Dipartimento Di Beitecnologe Mediche E Medicina Traslazionale.; ItaliaFil: Ruggero, Bettini. Departamento de Alimentos y Drogas ; Universita Degli Studi Di Parma;Fil: Del Favero, Elena. Universita Degli Studi Di Milano. Dipartimento Di Beitecnologe Mediche E Medicina Traslazionale.; Itali

Persistent Dystrophin Protein Restoration 90 Days after a Course of Intraperitoneally Administered Naked 2′OMePS AON and ZM2 NP-AON Complexes in mdx Mice

In Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the exon-skipping approach has obtained proof of concept in animal models, myogenic cell cultures, and following local and systemic administration in Duchenne patients. Indeed, we have previously demonstrated that low doses (7.5 mg/Kg/week) of 2 -O-methyl-phosphorothioate antisense oligoribonucleotides (AONs) adsorbed onto ZM2 nanoparticles provoke widespread dystrophin restoration 7 days after intraperitoneal treatment in mdx mice. In this study, we went on to test whether this dystrophin restoration was still measurable 90 days from the end of the same treatment. Interestingly, we found that both western blot and immunohistochemical analysis (up to 7% positive fibres) were still able to detect dystrophin protein in the skeletal muscles of ZM2-AON-treated mice at this time, and the level of exon-23 skipping could still be assessed by RT real-time PCR (up to 10% of skipping percentage). In contrast, the protein was undetectable by western blot analysis in the skeletal muscles of mdx mice treated with an identical dose of naked AON, and the percentage of dystrophin-positive fibres and exon-23 skipping were reminiscent of those of untreated mdx mice. Our data therefore demonstrate the long-term residual efficacy of this systemic low-dose treatment and confirm the protective effect nanoparticles exert on AON molecules

Case report: A novel FARS2 deletion and a missense variant in a child with complicated, rapidly progressive spastic paraplegia

Defects in FARS2 are associated with either epileptic phenotypes or a spastic paraplegia subtype known as SPG77. Here, we describe an 8-year-old patient with severe and complicated spastic paraplegia, carrying a missense variant (p.Pro361Leu) and a novel intragenic deletion in FARS2. Of note, the disease is unexpectedly progressing rapidly and in a biphasic way differently from the previously reported cases. Our study provides the first detailed molecular characterization of a FARS2 deletion and its underlying molecular mechanism, and demonstrates the need for combining different tools to improve the diagnostic rate

KIF5A and ALS2 Variants in a Family With Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

This paper describes the clinical evolution and the novel genetic findings in a KIF5A mutated family previously reported as affected by spastic paraparesis only. The additional evidence we report here, a homozygous ALS2 mutation detected in the proband, and the clinical evolution observed in the affected members of the family, are in line with the evidence of an overlap between Hereditary Spastic Paraplegias and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis associated with variants in these genes. The proband, a 14-years-old boy, started manifesting a pure form of HSP at age 14 months. The disease rapidly progressed to a juvenile form of ALS. This boy carries a heterozygous missense variant in KIF5A p.(Glu755Lys), inherited from the father, and a homozygous missense variant in the alsin protein encoded by the ALS2 gene p.(Pro192Leu). The father shows a family history of ALS. In the last few years, he has been developing signs and symptoms of both upper and lower motor neuron degeneration, with mild bulbar motor involvement and emotional lability. The patients described in this family, confirm the continuum and partial overlap of the two clinical entities, HSP and ALS, historically viewed as distinct entities. The genetic findings in this family further substantiate the genetic bases underlying the overlap, broadening the clinical spectrum associated with KIF5A mutations

Evidence for the Involvement of Lipid Rafts and Plasma Membrane Sphingolipid Hydrolases in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common autosomal genetic recessive disease caused by mutations of gene encoding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. Patients with CF display a wide spectrum of symptoms, the most severe being chronic lung infection and inflammation, which lead to onset of cystic fibrosis lung disease. Several studies indicate that sphingolipids play a regulatory role in airway inflammation. The inhibition and downregulation of GBA2, the enzyme catabolizing glucosylceramide to ceramide, are associated with a significant reduction of IL-8 production in CF bronchial epithelial cells. Herein, we demonstrate that GBA2 plays a role in the proinflammatory state characterizing CF cells. We also report for the first time that Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection causes a recruitment of plasma membrane-associated glycosphingolipid hydrolases into lipid rafts of CuFi-1-infected cells. This reorganization of cell membrane may be responsible for activation of a signaling cascade, culminating in aberrant inflammatory response in CF bronchial epithelial cells upon bacterial infection. Taken together, the presented data further support the role of sphingolipids and their metabolic enzymes in controlling the inflammatory response in CF

A novel custom high density-comparative genomic hybridization array detects common rearrangements as well as deep intronic mutations in dystrophinopathies

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The commonest pathogenic <it>DMD </it>changes are intragenic deletions/duplications which make up to 78% of all cases and point mutations (roughly 20%) detectable through direct sequencing. The remaining mutations (about 2%) are thought to be pure intronic rearrangements/mutations or 5'-3' UTR changes. In order to screen the huge <it>DMD </it>gene for all types of copy number variation mutations we designed a novel custom high density comparative genomic hybridisation array which contains the full genomic region of the <it>DMD </it>gene and spans from 100 kb upstream to 100 kb downstream of the 2.2 Mb <it>DMD </it>gene.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We studied 12 DMD/BMD patients who either had no detectable mutations or carried previously identified quantitative pathogenic changes in the <it>DMD </it>gene. We validated the array on patients with previously known mutations as well as unaffected controls, we identified three novel pure intronic rearrangements and we defined all the mutation breakpoints both in the introns and in the 3' UTR region. We also detected a novel polymorphic intron 2 deletion/duplication variation. Despite the high resolution of this approach, RNA studies were required to confirm the functional significance of the intronic mutations identified by CGH. In addition, RNA analysis identified three intronic pathogenic variations affecting splicing which had not been detected by the CGH analysis.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This novel technology represents an effective high throughput tool to identify both common and rarer DMD rearrangements. RNA studies are required in order to validate the significance of the CGH array findings. The combination of these tools will fully cover the identification of causative DMD rearrangements in both coding and non-coding regions, particularly in patients in whom standard although extensive techniques are unable to detect a mutation.</p